Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1887-02-18
EARLY OHIO DAYS.
Sketch of VIM. Allen, Fourth Gov
ornor of the State.
"Reminiscences by tho Oldest Citizen In the
scioto yailcy-A Chnlicothe Author.

Tho lives OF three OF ohio's distinguished
carly Governors who are buried at Chilcoth,
were sketched in preceding paper, and the ca
rcer OF Nathaniel Massie, declared TO have beer
elected Governor by the Legislature, was also
duly exploited.
The fourth Governor Of Ohio chosen from Ros,
County was William Allen, who, like most o
the others from the Scioto Valley, was OF South
ern birth and extraction.
William Allen was born ut Edcntown, Chow
an County, South Carolina, in 1907 Both OF his
parents died while he was very young child
and his training devolved upon his only sister, q
woman OF strong character, who was also the
mother OF Allen G. Thurman.
William Aliens sister did n great deal for
him, and she not only made him manly boy,
but she managed the small estate that was
left him with such excellent wisdom that she
was enabled TO give him the advantage OF the
best schools.
In 1881 Mrs. Thurman removed with her hus.
band TO Chillicothe, leaving her brother TO Mt
tend n private academy at Lynchburg, Va.
Two years later he, too, came TO Ohio, and con-
tinued his studies ut the old academy in Chilli.
Gothic. 1t is said that he made the journey
from Lynchburg, Va, 10 Chillicothe alone and
on foot.
When young Allen had finished his academic
career he entered the law oflice OF Edward
King, tho able son of Rufus King, OF New
York. While studying his text books young
walton OF nn effective munner OF public speak
ing, TO which talent he was so much indebted
for success in public life.
Allen made, II is believed, his first speech in
one OF the lower rooms of the old State House,
where he addressed debating club, OF which
he was an active member.
William Allen was admitted 10 the practice Of
law before he was twenty years OF age, and he
must have been uncommonly mature TO have
hoped TO compete In any way with n Bar which
was distinguished for its ability. He became u
partner of his preceptor, William King, and
soon began 10 make an impression as an advo-
cate.
He was tall and impressive in figure, and was
possessed OF u voice OF wonderful power and
fexibity.
While still very young man he was nomi.
mated for Congress by the Democrats OF his
district and elected by n majority of one vote.
He was the youngest man in the 'Twenty'tmrd
Congress, but he filled respectable place
in II.
In the first month of 1887, Mr.. Allen made n
speech at banquet in Columbus that made a
profound impression, and one altogether favor
able to him. The result was that he was nomi-
mated and elected 10 the u. S. Senate as the
successor of Thomas Ewing.
Mr. Allen was re elected 10 the Senate before
the close OF his first term, and 1t was during
these twelve years of public life at Washington
that his powers attained their fullest and most
cHcou'e ucNcIopHcht' iic WAS LOT great
many years chairman OF the Committee on For.
cign Relations.
In 1876 Senator Allen married Mrs. Efle
Macarthur Coons, the handsome daughter OF
Ex-Governor Duncan Macarthur. Old Governor
Macarthur dislilScd Senator Allen very hearth
ly, but that did not prevent sincere attach
ment springing up between the two younger
people.
Mrs. Allen inherited from Governor Near
thur the old homestead, Fruit Hill," and his |
other landed possessions. Governor and Mrs. |
Allen had one child, now Mrs. Scott The |
mother died in Washington soon after her
daughters birth, ana Governor Allen rode on |
horseback by the side OF her remains all the |
way to Chillicothe.
In August, 1873, the Democratic party OF Ohio |
was NJ u loss for u Gubcrnatoriul candidate IL |